About Our Pastor & First Lady

Reverend, Dr. Terrance Jerome Gattis is a native of Jersey City, New Jersey. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Livingstone College, a Master of Divinity degree from the Emory University Candler School of Theology, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Morehouse School of Religion at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta. He is currently an Associate Professor of Religion at the University of Phoenix, and he serves on the Academic Review Committee for the Interdenominational Theological Center’s Doctor of Ministry Program. He is a member of the Theta Phi International Honor Society, a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., and a graduate of Leadership Henry. He serves on the Board of Directors for Haven House, a non-profit organization working to end the cycle of family violence, and he serves on the national Board of Directors for Forever Family Inc., a non-profit organization that serves and supports the children and families of those who are incarcerated.

Pastor Gattis was licensed as a Minister of the Gospel on March 24th, 2004, at Victory Baptist Church in Stone Mountain, Georgia, under the pastorate of the Reverend Doctor Kenneth L. Samuel. He was ordained on March 26th, 2006, at Higher Piney Grove Baptist Church, under the pastorate of the Reverend Michael C. Harris. Prior to his ordination, he served as the South Atlantic Conference Youth Director of Christian Education in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. As a member of Emmanuel AME Zion Church, under the pastorate of the Reverend Frederick A. Williamson, he served as a Trustee and Finance Manager, Sunday School and Bible Study Teacher, and as the Editor of the Church's Newsletter. He is also the founder and previous CEO of Vision Quest Inc., a consulting firm that specialized in the creation and delivery of spiritually-focused training solutions.

Pastor Gattis is an anointed and gifted Preacher and Teacher of the Gospel, and a humble man of God. Over the years, he has developed innovative and dynamic Pastoral skills that include expository preaching and teaching, counseling, and community ministry. At the core of his theology is a full appreciation of God's grace, for he recognizes how awesome it is to receive God's unmerited favor - favor that enables him to press forward with love, hope, and expectation. His vision of ministry is one of service and spiritual wholeness; a ministry that continually addresses the real and relevant needs and concerns of God's people while helping the people of God grow in grace and love through the transformative power of Jesus Christ. Pastor Gattis continuously stands firm on the Word of God, fully confident that:

"The Sovereign LORD has given him an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. The Lord wakens him morning by morning, wakens his ear to listen like one being taught. The Sovereign LORD has opened his ears, and he has not been rebellious; he will not draw back" (Isa. 50:4-6).

Reverend, Dr. Elaine Gattis is a native of Richmond, California. She was licensed in 2005 under the pastorate of Bishop Joseph E. Simmons, of Greater St. Paul Baptist Church in Oakland, California. She relocated to Atlanta, Georgia in 2006 after sensing a call from God to "Leave your father's household and go to the land I will show you" (Gen. 12:1).

As First Lady of Mt. Olive, Dr. Gattis currently serves as Associate, Executive Pastor and Director of the Women of Excellence women's ministry. In addition to teaching and preaching, she brings a host of gifts and skills to Mt. Olive, including administration, marketing, and public relations. Dr. Gattis holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, and she received her Master of Divinity degree from Emory University's Candler School of Theology. She was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 2009. She recently received a Doctorate of Ministry degree from the Morehouse School of Religion in Atlanta and graduated with highest honors, summa cum laude. She is also a member of the Theta Phi International Honor Society.

Above all, Dr. Gattis is a humble servant of God who is not ashamed of the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and she believes that "the Joy of the Lord is her strength" (Neh 8:10).

Together, Pastor and First Lady are the proud parents of Terrell, Tianna, Armoriana, and Nandi.

Mount Olive Baptist Church

Our mission is to develop a compliment of ministries and services that seek to "transform lives" (Rom 12:2), "serve the least of these" (Matt 25:4), and "make disciples" (Matt 28:19) through the grace and power of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.